Paddle Into the Lights: A Front-Row Seat to History

Take in the Canadian Tulip Festival’s most ambitious spectacle yet—from the best seat in the city: your kayak.

On Sunday, May 18, join us for a special Kaleidoscope Kayaking experience as we paddle out to watch the first-ever combined Fireworks + Drone Show over Dow’s Lake. This unforgettable 10-minute performance will feature 200 synchronized drones and a stunning fireworks finale, celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands and Canada’s role in it.

You’ll launch from Hartwell Locks just before sunset and paddle along the canal for a short, scenic 2.5 km round trip. We’ll time our arrival perfectly so you’re settled in and ready when the sky erupts into a kaleidoscope of light.

This awe-inspiring event is part of the festival’s closing ceremonies and offers a quieter, more environmentally conscious twist on a beloved tradition. Expect a moving tribute that blends modern technology, historical reflection, and pure visual magic.

What’s Included:

• LED-lit kayak for extra night-time sparkle

• All safety gear + guided group paddle

• Front-row water view of the drone and fireworks show

• Historic insights along the way

Spots are limited—secure your place now and witness this once-in-a-lifetime event from the water!

Date: Sunday, May 18, 2025
Price: $149 solo | $298 tandem
Time: 8:00 PM – 10:15 PM
Launch Point: Hartwell Locks (Ottawa, ON)
Route: Approx. 2.5 km round-trip

Please stay with the tour guide at all times.

Please arrive at 7:45pm sharp, as there will be a safety brief before you paddle, to ensure everyone knows what they are doing and where they are going. 

The tour will start at 8:00pm, please note that if you are not at the launch point by this time, the tour will leave without you. 

A full list of event details will be emailed out to you 1 week before and on the day of the event. 

Weather, Cancelation, and Refund Policy